OK, I must confess if this article sounds like it is a bit biased, it probably is. The Donald is my hero. I’ve been the self appointed president of the Donald Trump Fan Club for over 20 years. I wish he’s stop screwing around already and throw his hat into the 2012 Presidential race. If anyone can solve our country’s financial woes and get us back on our feet, it’s The Donald….he knows how to bounce back. And talk about transparency…..there’s no hidden agenda here, what you see is what you get with The Donald.

NYC could easily be renamed Trump City since there’s tons of Trump real estate through out the NYC area. With hundreds of prime properties it’s sort of like a real life Monopoly game and The Donald is the winner. Whether it’s the Trump World Tower, Trump International Hotel and Tower, or Trump Tower, the Trump Touch prevails.

TRUMP TOWER

Trump Tower, a 58 story luxury high rise located a few blocks from Central Park, adjacent to Tiffany’s, and 2 blocks from the Plaza Hotel. A spectacular fusion of flash and elegance, Trump Tower, a monument to the excess of the extravagant 80’s is done in true Trump over-the-top style which only The Donald could successfully pull off.

A marble palace of grandeur with tons of polished brass, a dramatic 5 story Grand Atrium covered in salmon marble, and a cascading waterfall with luxury retail shops and restaurants. The Grand Atrium is a constant flurry of activity with security tighter than Fort Knox.

Over the years Trump Tower has been a magnet for many of the Rich & Famous. Michael Jackson, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Stephen Spielberg, and some Saudi princes have called this prestigious 5th Avenue address home.

Donald, wife Melania, and 4 year old son Barron live in the 3 story 30,000 square foot penthouse with the best view in town. The Donald cleverly negotiated to buy the air rights from Tiffany & Co. guaranteeing that his view will never be blocked.

TRUMP GRILL

Lunch at the Trump Grill is a must, the food is excellent and the service is top notch; of course The Donald, the ultimate perfectionist wouldn’t settle for anything less. A popular spot with NYC’s movers and shakers for power lunches where big deals are often closed over a handshake or written on a napkin. Oleg Cassini was a permanent fixture and could be found daily at his favorite table lunching and holding court back in the 80’s.

Rhona Graff, Mr. Trump’s assistant invited me to sample some of the dishes named after Trump family members. I was especially anxious to taste Mrs. Trump’s famous meatloaf after hearing so much about it.

Our adorable server Michael Sinatro, with personality plus, arranged a tasting lunch for us to sample some of the house specialties and signature dishes. When Michael, (who’s also an artist) isn’t working at Trump Grill, he’s busy in his studio creating clay sculptures

The Ivanka Salad, named after Donald’s daughter, who created this delicious concoction of cukes, diced tomatoes, onion, Mediterranean olives, and sprinkled with feta cheese is a delectable cross between a Jerusalem and a Greek salad.

Melania’s favorite is the Lobster Salad and I can see why. Huge chunks of fresh tender Maine lobster mixed with just the right amount of mayo, perfectly seasoned, served atop a bed of mixed greens and garnished with fresh steamed asparagus. Simple, light, and refreshing.

According to Rhona, Donald’s momma Mary was an excellent cook and her meatloaf was one of Donald’s all time favorites. After hearing so much about New York’s most famous meatloaf, I was anxious to taste it to determine what makes it so special.

It only took one bite when I realized this wasn’t any ordinary meatloaf. This is not your typical meatloaf encrusted with baked on Heinz Ketchup, and swimming in thick tomato sauce, oh no! This marvelous meatloaf has an unexpected twist to it…..a delicately seasoned mushroom sauce with hints of thyme. Definitely different and delicious. The Donald was generous enough to share his mother’s treasured recipe with San Antonio Express-News readers:

Mr. Trump’s Mother’s Meatloaf Recipe:

* 3 lb fresh ground beef

* 1 lg Spanish onion (fine dice)

* 1 lg red bell pepper (fine dice)

* 1 lg green bell pepper (fine dice)

* 2 cloves garlic (minced)

* 1 lg beefsteak tomato diced fine (remove seeds)

* 3 xlg fresh eggs

* 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs

* ¼ cup chopped parsley

* 1 cup of tomato puree

* 1 tablespoon of salt and pepper

1). In a large sauce pan slowly cook peppers, onion, garlic and tomato until the onions turn translucent and let cool.

3). Remove the mixture from bowl and place in a 14″x 9″ x 2″ ceramic baking dish and form into a loaf

4). Top loaf with tomato puree and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes

5). Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing

*Serve with fresh mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable*

*Can also be served with your favorite gravy recipe*

RETAIL GENIUS

In addition to being the top real estate tycoon in the world, The Donald is also a marketing maven, not letting one square foot of his prime retail space on 5th Avenue go to waste.

Trump Tower is guaranteed to provide lots of good retail therapy. Several counters and shops offer visitors an opportunity to walk away with tons of Trump paraphernalia like “YOU’RE FIRED” t-shirts, men’s no-iron dress shirts with French cuffs, cuff links, golf shirts, ties, and much more.

So forget bringing back any more of those same old “I LOVE NY” T-shirts for your friends and loved ones. Instead, pick up THE best souvenir in all of NYC….. an autographed golf ball that The Donald actually played golf with and signed. Most New Yorkers don’t even know about this deal of the century. These unique items make great souvenirs and Christmas stocking stuffers. And best of all, at only $4.00 each, they’re a great deal and won’t break the bank. Hey, why not flip them on eBay?

This just proves that The Donald, being an entrepreneurial genius and the ultimate American Capitalist that he is can figure out a clever way to make money out of almost anything.

And speaking about entrepreneurs, daughter Ivanka inherited her momma’s good looks and her daddy’s business brains.

Rhona tells me that all of the Trump kids are extremely hard working and involved in the family business. Ivanka is no exception and several years ago opened Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, an exclusive jewelry boutique on Madison Avenue. Finely crafted details like pave diamonds and pearl tassels are her signature look. Known for heirloom-chic creations with a contemporary twist, Ivanka’s designs are inspired by her world travels.

If I had an extra $48,000 to spend, I would have gone home with an exquisite rock crystal necklace featuring emerald cut stones the size of a jumbo ice cubes. Nice job Ivanka, your daddy is very proud of you.